Associate AD Strategic Communications

Closing Date:

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is a metropolitan research university that provides an accessible, quality education through flexible learning and unparalleled internship opportunities. At UA Little Rock, we prepare our more than 8,900 students to be innovators and responsible leaders in their fields. Committed to its metropolitan research university mission, UA Little Rock is a driving force in Little Rock's thriving cultural community and a major component of the city and state's growing profile as a regional leader in research, technology transfer, economic development, and job creation.

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening. To apply for the position, please click the Apply link/button.

If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process please contact Human Resources at 501-916-3180.

For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at 501-916-3180.

Required Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism or a related field and a minimum of two years experience in sports information or athletic media relations.

Preferred Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Journalism, Media, Sports Management or related field;
• Master's Degree preferred;
• A minimum of three (3) years' experience in strategic communications, preferably in a collegiate or professional athletics setting. (Other comparable experience will be considered).

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop organizational structure for Strategic Communications unit;
• Oversight for several full-time, graduate assistant and student staff members;
• Develop, maintain and work within the structure of defined budget parameters;
• Serve as primary communications contact for the Trojan's flagship Men's Basketball program;
• Anticipate, develop and implement communications strategies, tactics, policies & procedures;
• Proactively adapt to a changing communications landscape to ensure maximum productivity;
• Oversight and management of strategic partner and vendor relationships;
• Oversight of all broadcasting operations including the ESPN+ platform, radio network (in conjunction with multi-media rights partners) and other emerging opportunities;
• Oversight of all media relations activities, including press release and press conferences, statistics management and other traditional Sports Information duties;
• Serve as the Department of Athletics' primary spokesperson and media liaison;
• Ensures that department messaging is consistent, timely and accurate;
• Provides quality control as it relates to all communications platforms and messaging;
• Proactively develops excellent relationships with local, regional and national media;
• Provides leadership and oversight of digital and social media, including the Official Athletics Website, with a focus on content strategy and growing platform following;
• Collaborate regularly with other Trojan Athletics units including Marketing & Branding, Development, Facilities, etc. as well as UA Little Rock Marketing & Communications division;
• Other duties as assigned by the Director of Athletics.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Must be able to develop meaningful and productive relationships with colleagues, coaches and student-athletes;
• Demonstrated ability to convey department messaging accurately and concisely, which includes excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Strong background in writing, editing, design (print/web) and be able to oversee efforts of Communications unit;
• Strong computer skills and related software capability including StatCrew, Adobe InDesign, Photoshop and other creative programs;
• Excellent management, organizational, analytical, and project management skills;
• Ability to meet established deadlines and work effectively with diverse groups of internal and external constituents;
• Ability to travel regularly and work on weekends, nights and holidays when necessary;
• Ability to analyze, interpret, communicate, and adhere to Trojan Athletics, UA Little Rock, Ohio Valley Conference and NCAA policies, procedures, rules and regulations.

Additional Information:

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Sitehttps://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is committed to providing a safe campus community. We conduct background checks for applicants being considered for employment. Background checks include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. For certain positions, there may also be a financial (credit) background check, a Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) check, and/or drug screening. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication or adverse financial history information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, marital or parental status, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, or sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity). Federal law prohibits the University from discriminating on these bases. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University's Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.